In general psychiatry, adults with acute mental disorders are treated. These are predominantly schizophrenic, bipolar and depressive disorders, personality disorders and acute life crises. General psychiatry accounts for around half of all psychiatric hospital beds.

A core task of general psychiatric clinics is the treatment of patients with schizophrenic diagnoses, which are often chronic. Due to this often complex treatment requirement, a differentiated, modern social psychiatric infrastructure that is as close to home as possible is important.

Inpatient, inpatient-equivalent, day-care and outpatient treatment options are ideally networked in such a way that the different and changing needs of the patient groups described can be met. Many people need a network of help to support and promote their everyday lives; the differentiated services offered by complementary psychosocial services in the areas of housing, work, day structure, etc. also serve this purpose.